Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food safety and health initiatives across diverse boroughs, ensuring public health standards.
- Company: Join Merton Council, a key player in London's Environmental Health Services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health while working in exciting venues like Wimbledon and Twickenham.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified Environmental Health Professional with experience in food safety enforcement.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; applications reviewed on receipt.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Regulatory Services Partnership (RSP) hosted by Merton Council is one of the largest Environmental Health Services in London, with the Food and Safety Team responsible for overseeing in the region of 6,000 food businesses in Merton, Richmond and Wandsworth. The area covered is diverse in nature and includes a variety of high profile and interesting venues, such as Wimbledon Tennis, AFC Wimbledon, Twickenham Rugby, Battersea Power Station, New Covent Garden and Hampton Court Flower Show.
We have an exciting opportunity for a talented and enthusiastic qualified professional to join our team of dedicated Food and Health and Safety officers to deliver the food safety, health and safety and infectious disease function across the RSP boroughs. As one of 3 lead officers you will be expected to work across the boroughs responding to the priorities of each. The work will be varied and never boring.
You should have a real passion for improving the environment and public health by engaging with our communities and businesses. You will be highly motivated, with a flexible approach and an eagerness to develop existing competencies as well as attaining new skills. Whilst our administrative base is in London Borough of Merton, we operate hybrid working and provide touchdown points in all boroughs.
If you’re looking for a chance to make a difference, alongside an excellent benefits package, then this could be the place for you. Working as part of a busy team, it will be your responsibility, in conjunction with the other Leads and the Team Manager, to ensure that the team delivers and meets its statutory obligations, performance standards and service delivery plans.
You will be the technical lead in all food and health and safety matters including food hygiene and standards inspections, food complaints, investigation of accidents and communicable diseases. You will use your professional and technical knowledge and expertise to support other officers within the team, leading by example.
You must be a suitably qualified Environmental Health Professional (EHRB or CIEH Registered Environmental Health Practitioner or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in food safety and health and safety enforcement. Ideally you will hold a higher level health and safety qualification, such as a NEBOSH diploma and/or have substantial health and safety enforcement experience.
Merton Council offers a competitive salary and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, excellent holiday entitlement and flexible working along with essential car user allowance and mileage scheme for officers using their car for work. Please see our why work for us page on our website for more information about a great range of benefits that go beyond salary and offer flexibility to suit you.
For an informal discussion about these posts please contact Laura Aston (Food and Safety Manager) on 020 8288 5670. Closing date for all applications is 17th June 2025. However, please note applications will be reviewed on receipt and candidates may be called in before the closing date if they meet the criteria.
Food and Safety Lead Officer employer: London Borough of Merton
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Merton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Food and Safety Lead Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific food safety regulations and standards relevant to the London Borough of Merton. Understanding local policies will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the Regulatory Services Partnership. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be a great advantage during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with high-profile venues and diverse food businesses. Highlighting relevant examples from your past work can showcase your ability to handle the varied responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in food safety and public health. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and show your passion for the field.
We think you need these skills to ace Food and Safety Lead Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Food and Safety Lead Officer position. Highlight your relevant experience in food safety and health enforcement in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the skills and qualifications mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your experience with food hygiene inspections, health and safety enforcement, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for public health and environmental improvement. Mention specific examples of how you've engaged with communities or improved safety standards in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Merton
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the latest food safety and health regulations relevant to the role. Being able to discuss specific legislation and how it applies to the responsibilities of the Food and Safety Lead Officer will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to public health.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in food safety and health enforcement. Highlight any significant cases you've handled, particularly those that involved complex investigations or community engagement, as this will illustrate your capability to manage the diverse challenges of the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a lead officer, you'll need to inspire and guide your team. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to motivate others and ensure compliance with performance standards.
✨Engage with the Community
Discuss your approach to engaging with local businesses and communities. Show that you understand the importance of building relationships and how you would promote food safety practices effectively within the boroughs.
